Healthy City, Healthy Community: Bring The Family To Mitchell Park On Sunday

From the Palo Alto Fire Department:

On May 17 at Mitchell Park from 11 am to 2 pm, the Palo Alto Fire Department will host a Community Health Fair Supporting “Healthy City, Healthy Community” to celebrate 40 years of the City’s paramedic and ambulance service.

EMS Chief Kim Roderick said, “The entire family will enjoy the day, they can learn about community programs, have their blood pressure checked, learn hands-only CPR and earn a free bowl of the famous Palo Alto Firefighter’s Chili.” In addition there will be a Kid’s Corner with toys and coloring, a raffle, ice cream, safety presentations and a display of the history of emergency medical services.

The Palo Alto Fire Department has provided advanced lifesaving paramedic services to the City and Stanford University since 1975, and is the only community in Santa Clara County to provide City controlled ambulance services. Coinciding with National EMS Week, the City Council will recognize the Anniversary with a proclamation on May 18. Fire Chief Eric Nickel noted, “There are very few emergency services agencies that have been providing these life-saving services for 40 years. The stability of the system and high quality of care delivered is a testament to the leadership of the Palo Alto City Councils past and present who have prioritized safe and heathy communities.”

A brief presentation will be held at the start of the City Council Meeting on May 18. It will include original paramedics from the start of the program in 1975, current paramedics, EMTs and firefighters. Interview and photo opportunities are available May 17 and 18.

For more information on the Palo Alto Fire Department, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/fire or call 650-329-2220.